FAQ With K9Katie!

•What dogs do i own?

I have two working dogs, and a pet. My working boys are Blue, a 10 month old Belgian Malinois, and Rogue, a 2.5 year old Belgian Malinois x Dutch Shepherd. The little staffy who is often heard snoring on my lives is Kia, she’s 9 and just wants to nap.

•Where do I work?

I work nationwide, currently based in the midlands BUT I accept work anywhere if the terms are suitable.

•What do I do?

I work as a General Purpose Security Dog Handler, providing a visual/auditory deterrent to prevent crime. Think of my team as an extra layer of security. I predominantly cover construction and industrial sites, but occasionally will do residential work and events if needed.

•Are the dogs friendly?

No. They are safe, though.

•How do i become a dog handler?

Feel free to read my last blog post! I go into it in more detail on there.

•Can you train my dog?

No. Im not a trainer, nor do I train other peoples dogs for them. I’m happy to share advice and give tips that have worked for me, but I always recommend meeting with a reputable balanced trainer and having an in person assessment. Especially if your concerns pertain to behavioural issues including aggression and reactivity.

•Where are you from?

I’m from Teesside originally, but I’ve lived all over England.

•How old are you?

I’m a rough 26.

•Worst thing I’ve encountered at work?

Knives and needles being pulled on me. I don’t get a lot of trouble working with dogs, though.

•Best breed for first time handler?

A well bred German Shepherd or Rottweiler.

•What are your long term goals?

I’m hoping to spend the next 10-15 years, if my health allows, working front line with my dogs and building my reputation. After that, I plan to step back and focus on training. My goal is to train and provide dogs for Security/Policing roles that are better than the current general standard. I don’t want to breed, purely train and place the dogs. I would also like to work alongside a charity and help with behavioural cases in rescue, assessing the dogs and rectifying their issues so they can be placed in working roles if appropriate, or knowledgeable pet homes if not rather than being destroyed.

•Would you be interested in taking my dog if I needed to rehome?

No. I don’t have the space for project dogs at the moment, however, I’m happy to work with you to find a trainer or a suitable rescue.

•Hardest part of your job?

I never get a day off. If I’m poorly, or tired, or it’s raining, I still have two dogs that NEED to be worked or they’ll not be happy. 24/7/365, but I love every minute.

•How long have you done this for?

I’ve been handling full-time for around 18 months now.

•Favourite dog breed?

Staffordshire Bull Terrier, hands down. Such versatile little dogs. Second place is tied with the Malinois and the Herder. GSD is a solid third place, love the Czech line dogs.

•What do you drive?

A small van, but I’m going to be selling it soon and getting something slightly bigger. Then looking at a full set of custom inbuilt cages/a bed so I can work longer tasks comfortably.

•Shouldn’t you be working?

I’m always working, even when interacting with you guys. My dogs will alert me to anyone in the area WAAAY before I’d know they were there regardless. Should an incident occur, which it has before, the live is ended immediately and we deal with the situation. Don’t worry, your taxes don’t pay me, I’m private security not public sector etc.

•How long does it take to train the dogs?

Generally 12-18 months, but will vary from dog to dog. They are never fully trained as training is a lifelong process that requires upkeep.

•How much are the dogs?

£1500-2000+ for a decent green dog.

•Where do the dogs go when you finish work?

They’re kennelled or crated. Usually after a 16 hour shift, all they want to do is sleep, but they have plenty of opportunities to toilet and stretch their legs.

•What happens when they retire?

They spend their life with me where I pamper and spoil them rotten (even more so than usual) to thank them for being my partner and keeping me safe.

I think that about covers everything! As always, any other questions just shot me a message!

I’m looking forward to doing the next giveaway, so I’ve got my DMs open for suggestions on prizes etc for that Huge love to all my wonder people who regularly tune in, and to the new faces who’ve stumble across me and are curious (Welcome to the K9 family! ).

Talk soon xox